AFP pursues rebels over landmine blasts

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 16): AFP pursues rebels over landmine blasts

DAVAO CITY --  Pursuit operations go on as soldiers belonging to the 69th Infantry Battalion scour the rebels’ lair in Sitio Kialaw, Barangay Malabog, Paquibato District following a series of encounters last Friday and Saturday.

A report from the 10th Infantry Division based in Mawab, Compostela Valley revealed that members of the 69th IB engaged the rebels belonging to the guerrilla front 56 and Pulang Bagani Command 1 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee resulting to the killing of one soldier and the wounding of another.

The report said the first incident happened while soldiers from Bravo Company, 69IB were checking the reported presence of the rebels under alias Ka Jiares at Sitio Kialaw, Brgy Malabog of Paquibato District.

The rebels detonated an improvised explosive device that killed Pfc Johnhill Victor Alarcon and wounded Cpl Ramil Aquino.

Alarcon’s wake is at a funeral home in Panabo City.  He hailed from Iloilo City.

Aquino is undergoing medical treatment at Camp Panacan Station Hospital.

Three other soldiers were wounded in a separate encounter on December 12.

They were identified as 2Lt Earl Jun Atucha, Sgt Maynard de Guzman and Cpl Allan Paul Salvador who are now given medical treatment.

The soldiers recovered live ammunitions for M14 and M16 rifles, empty shells of assorted high-powered firearms, 150-meter electrical wire and several personal belongings from the rebels who immediately fled.

Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of the 10th ID expressed his grief to the family of Alarcon.

"We share the grief of the family of Pfc Alarcon who paid the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country and people. We will continue our efforts against the rebels who exploit their  surroundings while they sow terror against the people," he stressed.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381450056697/afp-pursues-rebels-over-landmine-blasts